Building and Site Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning

This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter when speaking with prospective clients. In fact, one of the greatest advantages of the process is its cost-effectiveness. Many are surprised to learn that even for smaller surveys, the required data can often be obtained more affordably than with traditional surveying methods.

It is natural to want to learn more before purchasing a product or service, and in many cases online research alone is not enough. For this reason, we offer prospective clients the opportunity to try the method in practice. At the client’s premises, we provide a free consultation combined with a practical demonstration, during which we answer any questions they may have.

To prepare a quotation, we need to assess the site. Ideally, this is done in person, but if that is not possible, we can also provide a quotation based on videos and photographs. This is necessary because our quotations are not based on a fixed rate, such as a price per square metre, but are always tailored to the specific project.

Provided that sufficient information about the site is available, we can prepare a quotation for the survey within as little as one day.

In brief: whenever an area or building needs to be surveyed quickly and accurately.

Even several hundred or several thousand square metres can be surveyed in just a few days, meaning that an accurate digital representation of the area may be available as early as the day after the survey.

It is therefore an ideal solution when deadlines are tight, there is not enough time or capacity to carry out the survey manually, or the available documentation is missing or of insufficient quality.

This naturally depends on the size and complexity of the surveyed area. As a general rule, after a one-day survey, approximately one additional working day is required to register and clean the point cloud. Therefore, under ideal conditions, the results of a one-day 3D scanning survey can be delivered as early as the following day.

A three-dimensional point cloud is essentially the digital equivalent of a manual survey, using modern surveying technology to eliminate inaccuracies caused by human error. Point clouds have an extremely wide range of applications, from architecture and heritage conservation to crime scene investigation, making it impossible to describe all their uses briefly. Further information about their areas of application is available on our website.

Basically, yes. A point cloud created during a survey may contain several billion measured points and can range from several gigabytes to tens of gigabytes in size. Nevertheless, it can be opened and measured using free software, without requiring excessively expensive hardware.

Naturally, workstations capable of running 3D design software can also handle point clouds.

The point cloud can, of course, be updated at a later stage. If changes occur, there is no need to repeat the entire survey; only the affected area and a small section of its unchanged surroundings need to be rescanned to provide reference points. As a result, the point cloud can be kept up to date with minimal investment, especially when used together with the available free software solutions that allow point clouds to be opened and viewed.

Of course. Upon request, we can create a 2D floor plan or a 3D model from the point cloud generated during the survey, or update an existing one.

Both methods can be used to create a point cloud. The main difference is that photogrammetry generates a 3D point cloud from a large number of photographs using software, whereas terrestrial laser scanning performs immediate laser-based distance measurements using a physical measurement principle. This difference also determines the most suitable application of each method. Although photogrammetry is an excellent solution in many cases, terrestrial laser scanning is the preferred method in industrial environments and wherever reliable, highly accurate survey data is essential. The measurements are carried out using tested and certified equipment, meaning the results may also be used in forensic investigations and quality assurance matters.

The point clouds produced by colour and monochrome surveys are equally accurate. The number and spacing of the measured 3D points do not depend on whether the laser scanning is carried out in colour or monochrome.

Based on the above, the type of point cloud should be selected according to its intended use. For example, in engineering applications such as modifying or expanding an industrial site, or checking the flatness of an industrial floor, a colour point cloud provides no significant added value. By contrast, for heritage conservation surveys or presentation purposes, carrying out the laser scanning in colour is almost always the preferred choice.